750 words

A million years ago (that’s about 10 years ago in non-melodrama time), I started reading a book called The Artist’s Way. I started reading it again a few weeks ago–haven’t gotten a whole lot further than I think I did the first time. But I’ve started doing one of the practices that the author, Julia Cameron, prescribes: the “morning pages.” Ideally, morning pages are done (surprise!) in the morning (I’ve yet to accomplish this–not necessarily a morning person). It’s a way to just get whatever happens to be in your head out onto a page. Maybe something comes of it, maybe it’s garbage. Doesn’t matter. She recommends it even if your art isn’t writing. As I delve further into the book, I think I’ll share more of what I learn along the way.

I spent the last post sounding a little pouty and self-punishing, though that was not my intent. Quite the opposite, actually. But that was yesterday, right? Today, after spending a day and a half with my mom and my kids in Frankenmuth (a small town in mid-Michigan that has Bavarian-themed attractions–see the Google) and receiving some wise advice from a smart lady, I’ve decided to let my art take that journey. I want to let my craft find its way from my heart to the page.

There’s a website called 750 words. It’s based on the idea of the morning pages (Cameron suggests 3 pages each morning–a page being roughly 250 words.). That same smart lady that gave me some great advice introduced me to the site, and I was going to hit it every day last month. Well, I didn’t, so I’ll do my best hit it every day this month instead. No dwelling, no self-flagellation, no punishment. So far, I’ve managed to get something in there for three days straight, so I’ve yet to miss a day in December.

It’s cathartic.

Yesterday’s entry ended up here, but there’s no way all of them will–today’s for instance, is not for public consumption But, what I found it did was open the floodgates for this here post. I’m thinking there’s something to Ms. Cameron’s wisdom, and I can’t wait to learn more, write more and share more.

I have a tendency to be cautious about anything, because, let’s face it, I’ve been disappointed a lot in the last few years. But, I have to remember the times I’ve also been pleasantly surprised, too. So, I go into this endeavor with as positive an attitude as I can muster and know that I can’t just hope that it will happen. I have to do the work. And as I blathered into my December 2nd 750words entry, I know that it wasn’t only work, but that as I do this, as I release words onto the page, I am nurturing a vital part of me.

Self-care at its finest.

Won’t you follow me? Click the “Follow” button above. I’ll be updating on the memoir’s progress and musing on other topics the regular. If you follow me via e-mail, you’ll get the freshest posts.